The Los Angeles Lakers have to make a big splash this summer, after touting their 2026 cap space to both superstar Luka Doncic and the fanbase as their best means to improve. One name that has been floated more than any other is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who is entering restricted free agency this summer.
Kessler being a restricted free agent gives the Jazz all the power. They can match any offer he gets, and the Lakers would have to tie up their cap space for up to 48 hours with a chance of losing him back to the Jazz anyways. However, recent reports have suggested the Jazz may be willing to part with Kessler, and he’ll be meeting with teams — including the Lakers — when free agency opens on Tuesday, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer:
Utah restricted free agent center Walker Kessler has meetings lined up with three teams Tuesday night after 6 PM ET at the Los Angeles offices of his CAA representatives.
The Lakers, of course, are strongly believed to be one of those three teams given their considerable interest in trying to swipe Kessler from the Jazz.
There are two main ways the Lakers can steal Kessler away from the Jazz. The first, and less likely, is to give him an offer sheet large enough that the Jazz choose not to match. This might require giving Kessler a deal worth well over $30 million per year and is still not a guarantee, which is why it’s less likely.
The other, more likely, way would be working with the Jazz on a sign-and-trade agreement at a number that is both too high for Utah and reasonable for Kessler and L.A. The Lakers could send back center Deandre Ayton in the deal, as well as draft compensation if Utah asks for it.
Jalen Duren also meeting with Lakers
The Lakers also have a reported meeting scheduled with the other main restricted free agent center, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons. Duren is seeking an even larger deal than Kessler, and all indications are pointing to the Sacramento Kings being his preferred destination.
However, the Lakers and Duren will still meet in case the two sides happen to be able to figure something out. That looks to be unlikely at this stage, but there are still plenty of decisions to be made on all sides with free agency not yet beginning.
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